Franklin County Authorities Shut Down Growhouse Operation

Franklin County authorities have uncovered a marijuana growing operation.

On Friday, according to Franklin County Sheriff Stevie Thomas after deputies answered a 911 call regarding a domestic disturbance going on in a vehicle traveling down a county road.

“Late Friday, deputies responded to a report of a domestic dispute in a vehicle traveling down the highway,” Thomas said Sunday night. “Dispatchers also gave deputies the tag number of the vehicle which came back to a home at 116 Russo Road in Franklin County.”

Deputies then called for back-up, a search warrant, and assistance from drug agents, Thomas said, and a search began of the property.

“After a search warrant was obtained for the home and all buildings on the property at 116 Russo Road, officers believed they were on the scene of a grow house,” Thomas said. “Deputies and investigators collected over five pounds of pre-bagged marijuana, grow lights and other evidence from the scene.”

Three people were arrested at the house.

They include Brad Carlson, 51 of Southport, NC.

Carlson was charged with manufacturing marijuana, possession with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Also arrested was 57-year old Franklin Drought of 116 Russo Road in Commerce.

He is charged with manufacturing marijuana, possession with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during a commission of a crime, possession of tools during a commission of a crime and possession of drug related objects.

And 72-year old Gloria Drought of the same address was also taken into custody.

She was charged with manufacturing marijuana, possession of tools during the commission of a crime, and possession with intent to distribute.

All three remain in the Franklin County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing.